Exalgo (see Hydromorphone)

Hydromorphone (By injection)

hye-droe-MOR-fone hye-droe-KLOR-ide

Drug classes

Analgesic, Anesthetic Adjunct (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Hydromorphoneinjection is used to treat moderate to severe pain. It belongs to the group of medicines called narcotic analgesics (pain medicines) and acts on the central nervous system (CNS) to relieve pain. Do not use this medicine for mild pain or pain that you only have once in a while or “as needed.”

When hydromorphone is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve the pain. Mental dependence (addiction) is not likely to occur when narcotics are used for this purpose. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. Severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, into a muscle, or into a vein.

A nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

You may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

You will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

If you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat and direct light.

Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. Throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed. Ask your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medicine you do not use.

Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some foods and drugs can affect how hydromorphone works. Tell your doctor if you have used an MAO inhibitor (MAOI) within the past 14 days. Also, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: